Cause of Death--Innocence

My name is Amanda, I am only thirteen years old. I saw my sister last night— Outside with her friends, They were laughing, Having a good time. I wanted to join in— So I did. They were all smoking They asked if I wanted one. What was I supposed to do? Say no, and look like a complete dork? No. I said yes. My sister was doing it, too; She didn’t stop me, So it must have been okay— After all, she was the angel child of the family. I took it, and breathed in deep— Very deep. At first I coughed, but continued. It tasted like strawberries. They’re my favorite, you know. I finished it off And went to bed. When I woke up in the morning And went to breakfast, I saw my mom and dad Just holding each other, crying. They didn’t see me come in, They didn’t hear my words. I found my sister Cowering in the corner of her room, Whispering over and over: “no, not my sister! Why did You take my little sister?!” “Ashley, I’m right here!” No one saw me I knew, right then, What happened last night. We had learned about drugs In school. Never would I have thought To see my sister—oh my, me— Doing what they did on TV.

Coroner’s report three days hence: “Cause of death: pure innocence.”

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